Get a workout and help the hungry at the D.C. Protein Food Drive

People who donate peanut butter and salmon will receive a free workout for participating in the D.C. Protein Food Drive in April. (Courtesy of Josef Brandenburg)

Josef Brandenburg, special to wtop.com

WASHINGTON – How would you like to get a fun, intense and safe workout that will leave your metabolism boosted for 24 to 36 hours, and help a hungry family in D.C. at the same time? That’s the focus of the Protein Food Drive.

Most food drives collect a lot of unhealthy and fattening refined carbohydrates, such as extra boxes of mac and cheese and canned cranberries left over from Thanksgiving. People mean well when they donate these food stuffs, but one of the biggest problems facing low-income families is that they usually live on refined carbohydrates because that’s what they can afford.

Diets based on refined carbohydrates lead to health problems that are more common in low-income families, including obesity, diabetes and high blood pressure.

This is why the only foods being accepting for the Protein Food Drive are non- perishable proteins: canned tuna, canned salmon, canned chicken and natural peanut butter. Protein rich foods are what low-income families need the most, and they’re the least likely to be donated to the Capital Area Food Bank (the food drive’s partner).

What about the workout?

To help boost donations, Body You Want Fitness Solutions in Georgetown is hosting special bonus metabolic acceleration classes from 11 a.m. to 11:45 a.m. every Sunday in April. The “price” of each class is a donation of 4 pounds of non-perishable protein — the cost is a lot less than our normal drop in fee of $25.

They’re called “metabolic acceleration” classes because they are scientifically designed to speed up your metabolism and leave it revved up for 24 to 36 hours after. One or more coaches will guide you through five or six different high- intensity exercises, with measured rest periods between exercises. This type of workout provides a safer, faster, more fun and far more effective alternative to conventional cardio exercises like jogging. You’ll get into incredible cardiovascular shape with less wear and tear on your joints, plus you will achieve about 450 percent better fat-loss results than with traditional cardio.

Who can take the class?

Anyone can take class and get a great, safe workout with none of the intimidation normally in a big-box gym.

If you are out of shape, think you are weak, have limited coordination, can’t touch your toes (this is fixable in 10 minutes or less) or are bothered by knees during running, you will be fine with our class. The class is minimal impact, while still getting high intensity (intensity is relative to you and your physical abilities) and good results.

Exceptions include medical issues, current injuries and recent surgeries. If you have a heart condition, please bring a note from your doctor. If you currently have a significant injury, please finish physical therapy first. And if you recently had surgery, the class won’t be a good idea until your doctor says you are ready.

Protein Food Drive Details:

Do good and feel good in the same 45 minutes. Bring 4 pounds of non-perishable protein:

Editor’s Note: Josef Brandenburg is a D.C.area fitness expert with 14 years of experience and co-author of the international best-selling book “Results Fitness.” In 2004, he started The Body You Want personal training program, which specializes in helping you get the body you want in the available time you have.